Devastating flooding in Mokwa near River Niger killed 151 people and injured 11 after Thursday predawn rainfall. Niger State spokesperson Ibrahim Audu Husseini confirmed 3,000 residents displaced across 500 households. Security agencies assist emergency operations during wet season. Aliki Musa stated villagers aren't used to such flooding. Jibril Muregi noted flood-control works were overdue. President Tinubu promised support as climate change worsens northern Nigeria's weather patterns.
Russell Brand, turning 50, pleaded not guilty in London court to charges involving four women (1999-2005): raping one at a Bournemouth hotel during Labour Party conference, dragging another into a television station toilet, forcing oral sex on a third in a bar bathroom, and pushing a Big Brother-connected radio employee against a wall while grabbing her breasts and groping her buttocks. Trial: June 3, 2026.
Switzerland's Birch glacier collapsed Wednesday, destroying 90% of Blatten's 300-resident village. One 64-year-old man remains missing despite thermal drone searches. The 2km debris pile blocked River Lonza, causing buildings to flood and prompting livestock airlifting. Authorities evacuated 16 people downstream and emptied an artificial dam to contain potential 1 million cubic meters daily water accumulation. Resident Martin Henzen noted they prepared but not for this scale. GLAMOS attributes the disaster to climate change.
IAEA reports Iran possesses 400kg of uranium at 60% purity, enough for 10 nuclear weapons. Production accelerated during US-Iran talks, potentially yielding weapons-grade material within two weeks. Netanyahu claimed Iran seeks nuclear weapons; Araghchi called them "unacceptable." IAEA discovered undeclared activities at Lavisan-Shian, Varamin and Turquzabad. Khamenei's advisors suggested reconsidering Iran's anti-nuclear stance, raising fears of a nuclear threshold state. UN Security Council referral expected.
At a Pittsburgh rally, Donald Trump announced doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%, claiming China violated their tariff trade talks agreement. This policy shift strains international trade relations and threatens economic consequences across industries. Trump's aggressive trade protection stance could trigger retaliatory measures from affected countries, particularly China. The protectionist trade policies aim to support U.S. manufacturing and domestic producers while potentially raising costs for consumers.
Trump upended global trade, imposing tariffs under the 1977 IEEPA for a manufactured emergency, wiping billions off markets. He bypassed Congress, ignoring statutory consultative arrangements. A federal court blocked these tariffs after businesses and states challenged them, ruling they exceeded presidential authority. The White House will appeal. Congress must properly define emergency powers in this Carter-era legislation rather than empower an overmighty president.
A commercial truck carrying 70,000 pounds (31,751 kilograms) of hives overturned near Lynden, Whatcom County, northwestern Washington, by the Canadian border, releasing 250 million bees. Roads closed as beekeepers helped cleanup, allowing bees to find their queen. Honeybees pollinate over 100 crops but face threats from insecticides, climate change, parasites, disease, and food supply decline, impacting agriculture and food security.
Taylor Swift purchased master recordings of her first six albums, music videos, concert films, and unreleased songs after Scooter Braun bought them from Big Machine Records for $300m, later selling to Shamrock Capital for $360m. Swift's "Taylor's Version" re-recordings devalued originals while fueling her Eras tour. Her fight parallels her Ticketmaster criticism challenging Live Nation monopoly, inspiring artists to negotiate ownership in contracts.
Warsaw Mayor Trzaskowski (30.8%) faces PiS's Nawrocki (29.1%) in Poland's June 1 presidential runoff. The NATO member bordering Ukraine chooses between Trzaskowski's pro-EU stance, supporting LGBTQ and abortion rights, and Nawrocki's conservative values. Prime Minister Tusk's judicial reforms, blocked by President Duda, await the winner's veto power, determining Poland's European versus Trump-aligned future.
Trump and Musk held an Oval Office farewell after Musk's 130-day tenure as special government employee. Doge (Department of Government Efficiency) aims to reduce $36tn debt, claiming $175bn in savings ($61.5bn itemized). Controversy surrounds mass layoffs and USAID cuts. Musk targets $1 trillion in reductions and expressed disappointment with Trump's tax bill. Trump insisted Musk is "not really leaving." Musk referenced Trump's defamation case when dismissing a drug report. His son X Æ A-12 caused his bruised eye.
Prosecutor Sarah Hammond charged 53-year-old Paul Doyle with intentionally causing grievous bodily harm after he rammed Liverpool fans celebrating their 20th title, injuring 80 people aged 9-78. Merseyside Police confirmed it wasn't terrorism-related. Doyle, facing maximum life imprisonment, appears at Liverpool Magistrates' Court Friday. He bypassed a roadblock following an ambulance. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims addressed concerns as seven victims remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Supreme Court allowed Trump to revoke immigration parole for 532,000 Venezuelan, Cuban, Haitian, and Nicaraguan migrants with U.S. sponsors, enabling expedited deportation despite pending asylum applications. Justice Action Center called this devastating. Biden's humanitarian program required security checks for two-year legal status. Justices Jackson and Sotomayor dissented. Plaintiffs face return to dangerous countries where many risk persecution or death. Trump promised largest deportation wave in decades despite challenges with expatriation agreements.
Trump's administration will aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students with Communist Party ties or in critical fields, announced by Rubio. Visa criteria for China and Hong Kong applicants will be revised. This jeopardizes US higher education revenue and strains US-China relations. Previously, Trump targeted students in sensitive fields with military links. China's Mao Ning lodged protests. China sent 277,398 students in 2023-24, surpassed by India according to a State Department-backed report.
Israel announced 22 new West Bank settlements, illegal under international law. Finance Minister Smotrich called it historic, preventing a Palestinian state. Hamas condemned it as Judaization; Jordan called it a violation. Israel has 100+ settlements housing 500,000 settlers while 3 million Palestinians live under military rule. Settlement expansion accelerated before October 7 attack. UN condemns settlements as obstacles to peace.
Diego Maradona's medical team's homicide case was declared a mistrial after Judge Makintach resigned for being filmed in a documentary, breaching judicial rules. The 60-year-old died from heart failure after skull-brain surgery in 2020. He led Argentina to 1986 World Cup victory, scored the "Hand of God" goal, elevated Napoli to glory, and battled drug addiction. Seven medical professionals face 8-25 years for negligent homicide.
EU investigating Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos for ineffective one-click age verification under DSA, protecting minors' mental health. No fixed investigation timetable exists. Platforms face 6% turnover fines. Pornhub's parent Aylo Freesites pledged compliance. Stripchat's Technius Ltd shifts to Cyprus regulation in September. XNXX's NKL Associates and XVideos' WebGroup Czech Republic were contacted. DSA regulates platforms exceeding 45 million users; national authorities oversee smaller ones.
E.l.f. Beauty acquired Hailey Bieber's rhode (founded 2022) for $1 billion—their largest acquisition, exceeding $355 million Naturium purchase. The deal: $800 million plus potential $200 million performance bonus, closing later this year. Generating $212 million in sales, rhode's frequently sold-out 10 products will expand to Sephora in North America and UK. Bieber remains chief creative officer, with fans waiting hours for pop-ups.
US Envoy Witkoff proposed releasing 28 of 58 hostages (10 living, 18 deceased) in two rounds during a 60-day ceasefire. IDF would withdraw from recently captured areas with aid distribution returning to UN from Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Hamas falsely claimed agreement to previous version. Netanyahu called cabinet meeting while Lapid urged acceptance despite Smotrich/Ben-Gvir opposition. Final day arrangements remain contentious.
President Trump accuses China of breaching a preliminary trade agreement, escalating tensions via Truth Social. U.S. Trade Representative Greer expressed concerns about Beijing's "completely unacceptable" non-compliance, slow removal of tariff countermeasures, and unfulfilled trade reforms. The administration monitors compliance through ongoing reports. On May 12, Trump agreed to a 30% tariff on China for 90 days, while netizens speculate about potential 1000% tariffs without White House confirmation.
Seven people were killed, including the locomotive driver, and 30 hospitalized after a bridge collapse and train derailment in Russia's Bryansk region bordering Ukraine early Sunday. Russian Railways reported the train's locomotive and cars derailed when a road bridge's span structure collapsed due to "illegal interference." State news agencies cited medics confirming the deaths. Governor Alexander Bogomaz stated two children were hospitalized, one seriously.
Russian attacks killed two in Ukraine, including a child in Zaporizhia and man in Kherson. Ukraine evacuated 11 Sumy villages amid three-year war. Russians launched 109 drones/missiles. Army chief Syrskii reports Russian offensives in Donetsk region. Zelenskyy claims 50,000 Russian troops near border. Ukrainian forces reportedly hold territory in Kursk. Washington calls for peace as Istanbul meeting approaches, though Zelenskyy questions Moscow's seriousness.
The International Trade Court ruled Trump's tariff actions illegal, undermining reciprocal and fentanyl tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China. This challenges presidential authority over trade deficits, referencing Nixon's limited powers and Federalist Papers. The Supreme Court will review alongside California's case. Treasury Secretary Bessent's negotiations with G7 allies are compromised. The White House faces resistance from bond markets, retailers warning of empty shelves, and businesses suffering economic harm. Congress approval seems doubtful, leaving targeted retaliation as other nations' strategy.
At Singapore's Shangri-la Dialogue, Defense Secretary Hegseth warned China's "imminent" threat to Taiwan would have devastating consequences globally. China, seeking hegemonic power, is actively preparing militarily for a possible 2027 invasion—a deadline unconfirmed by Beijing. China sent a low-level delegation and scrapped its planned speech, while the US sent its largest delegation ever. Hegseth urged increased Asian defense spending amid South China Sea disputes and US-China influence competition.
Merseyside Police arrested a 53-year-old white British Liverpool man who rammed a car into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League win. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims ruled out terrorism. North West Ambulance Service reported 27 hospitalized, including four children, one seriously injured. Merseyside Fire and Rescue freed four trapped victims. Eyewitness Harry Rashid described the vehicle moving "extremely fast" during the bank holiday parade attended by one million. PM Starmer called scenes "appalling."
The State Department halted new visa interviews for foreign students pending expanded social media vetting. Secretary Rubio's cable, obtained by AP, instructs consulates to pause appointments. Spokesperson Bruce affirmed thorough applicant vetting. First reported by Politico, this follows Trump's administration removing Harvard from student sponsorship, blocked by a federal judge, and revoking thousands' legal status. An anonymous U.S. official confirmed the temporary suspension. Universities face budget impacts from enrollment disruptions.
Trump's administration is canceling Harvard's $100 million contracts by June 6. Previously, $2.6 billion research funding was suspended and international students banned. Trump threatened diverting $3 billion to trade schools and revoking tax-exempt status. Homeland Security Secretary Noem demanded student records. Harvard sued in April. Gruenbaum cited antisemitism concerns and Harvard Law Review's $65,000 fellowship to a protester. Garber called actions "perplexing."
Wildfires in Western Canada have forced thousands to evacuate. Over 180 active wildfires rage nationwide, with 102 out of control. Manitoba (25 fires) and Saskatchewan (207 fires) declared emergencies, with evacuations also in Alberta (50 fires) and B.C. (60 fires). Manitoba requested international help while Canadian Armed Forces conduct rescues. Premier Kinew is housing 17,000 evacuees in Winnipeg. Flin Flon and Mathias Colomb evacuated. Air-quality alerts issued as smoke thickens. Oil production sites evacuated. Human activity is the primary cause.
Faizan Zaki won the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee, earning over $50,000. The competition began in 1925, with Faizan becoming the 110th champion due to past ties including an eight-way tie in 2019 and several two-way ties. Nine students ages 11-14 who qualified through local and regional bees competed, narrowing to Sarv Dharavane, Sarvadnya Kadam, and Faizan, who won by spelling éclaircissement.
The US government will amend Make America Healthy Again report citing 500 studies, seven non-existent, linking processed food, chemicals and vaccines to children's chronic illness. Noah Kreski and JAMA Paediatrics denied authoring referenced studies. The Democratic National Committee called it "misinformation." Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, known for vaccine safety doubts, has cut billions from biomedical research while defending the report.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces life imprisonment in the third week of his Manhattan federal trial. Mia, his personal assistant (2009-2017), testified he raped her and inflicted physical abuse. She witnessed Combs attacking Ventura, who once fled screaming "he's gonna kill me." The Bad Boy Records founder, 55, pleaded not guilty to racketeering and sex-trafficking charges involving drug-fueled "freak-offs" spanning two decades. His defense admits relationship abuse but claims all sexual interactions were consensual.
Israeli gunfire injured 47 Palestinians at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's Rafah distribution center, with Salem Abu Moussa killed. Following a blockade causing catastrophic hunger, desperate crowds overwhelmed the site. The US-backed GHF uses security contractors, bypassing UN protocols. Netanyahu defended this approach after Israel's October 7 response to Hamas's attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took hostages, resulting in 54,084 Gaza deaths.
Retired surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec (74) received 20 years for abusing 299 patients in French hospitals during 1989-2014. Despite mechanical apologies, prosecutors requested post-release treatment. Already serving 15 years, he admitted 111 rapes and 189 sexual assaults, mostly on children under 15 while anesthetized. He practiced until 2017 despite a 2005 child pornography conviction, documenting crimes and claiming responsibility for Mathis Vinet's suicide.
President Trump promised to pardon "Chrisley Knows Best" stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, serving 12 and 7-year sentences for bank fraud, tax evasion, and obstruction of justice. They fraudulently obtained $30 million for luxury items, evaded $500,000 in taxes, and filed bankruptcy. Daughter Savannah claims Fulton County prosecutors targeted them as "Trumps of the South." The Justice Department intended their sentences as a warning.
US government investigates White House chief Susie Wiles's impersonation targeting politicians. Wall Street Journal reported governors and senators received calls using voice replication technology. FBI Director Patel prioritized securing communications after Wiles's phone was hacked, exposing contacts. FBI acknowledged malicious actors' text/voice messaging campaign. Trump campaign reported August 2024 Iran hack that stole sensitive documents, potentially connected to this breach.
Trump extended EU tariff threats until July 9 after speaking with von der Leyen, posting on Truth Social. Brussels and Washington negotiate to avoid trade war. Trump initially threatened 50% tariffs June 1, previously proposing 20% before reducing to 10%. Sefcovic seeks "mutual respect" while promising retaliation. Klingbeil discussed with Bessent, warning tariffs endanger both US and European economies. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel/aluminum and cars; 10% baseline tariff remains.
French National Assembly approved assisted dying 305-199, backed by Macron, targeting 2027 implementation. Terminally ill patients with constant suffering can request death after 48-hour confirmation. France would become eighth EU country with this option. Patients can self-administer lethal doses or use medical assistants. Conservative critics, including Catholic Church and Prime Minister François Bayrou, opposed the measure. Blocking assisted dying carries two-year jail penalty. Companion palliative care bill addresses 48% patient shortage.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla's two-day Canadian visit, his first as monarch, includes delivering a "Speech from the Throne." Prime Minister Carney invited Charles amid Trump's annexation comments, with officials declaring "Canada is not for sale." Governor General Simon, first Indigenous representative, called it "profoundly significant." Royal historian Vovk notes Charles faces constitutional limitations. Activities include Ottawa park visits and a hockey demonstration.
King Charles III visits Canada to deliver a throne speech Tuesday, normally read by the Governor General. Prime Minister Carney invited him following Trump's annexation threats. Charles will visit the National War Memorial after outlining government agenda. Last done by Queen Elizabeth in 1977, this emphasizes Canadian sovereignty as a Commonwealth member. Professor Béland and former Quebec Premier Charest note the visit's significance despite French-Canadian monarchy concerns.
PBS sued Trump over an executive order signed this month cutting federal funding to PBS, NPR, and local stations. The lawsuit questions presidential authority, alleges content-based motivation, First Amendment and 1967 Public Broadcasting Act violations, viewpoint discrimination, and editorial discretion infringement. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting must cease direct and indirect funding, threatening PBS's programming. CEO Paula Kerger noted smaller stations receiving 50% federal funding face existential risks, while PBS gets 15%.
South Korea votes June 3 after Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment for December's martial law. Frontrunner Lee Jae-myung, who lost to Yoon by 0.73% in 2022, faces Kim Moon-soo and four other candidates. Overseas voting occurred May 20-25. The winner immediately assumes office to address political divisions, Trump tariffs, North Korean tensions, US-China relations, and 0.75 birth rate. Yoon faces insurrection charges after brief detention.
U.S.-Israel-backed GHF opened Gaza aid hubs despite UN objections, with John Acree replacing resigned Jake Wood. American security company fired warning shots when crowds overwhelmed distribution of 8,000 food boxes amid famine warnings. Hamas blocked access, warning against cooperation. Israel's March blockade displaced 90% of Gaza's population. Oct. 7 attack killed 1,200 Israelis with 251 abducted, 58 hostages remain. Israeli response killed 54,000 Palestinians.
Friday's 9:30 a.m. rock collapse at an illegally operated limestone quarry in Cirebon, West Java killed 8 people, left 10 missing, and injured 12. A police chief confirmed evacuations while television footage showed excavators searching for survivors. Governor Dedi Mulyadi ordered the mine's closure. A February incident occurred at the same site without casualties. A July landslide near a Sulawesi gold mine killed 23 and left 35 missing.
Google and Justice Department clashed Friday over remedies after Judge Mehta declared Google's search engine an illegal monopoly. DOJ seeks banning default search payments on smart devices and Chrome browser divestiture. Google promises appeal while navigating AI shifts toward conversational search. Mehta, seeking middle ground to "kickstart" competition without "kneecapping" Google, will decide the four-and-half-year-old case before Labor Day.
Former President Kabila returned to DRC despite treason charges after Senate lifted his immunity. In self-imposed exile since 2023, he visited Goma, meeting locals alongside M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka. His entourage shares Tshisekedi's opposition goal with M23, who claim to protect ethnic minorities. Rwanda denies supporting rebels committing war crimes. The conflict has displaced 700,000 people, raising fears of regional war like 1990s conflicts.
Trump's administration banned Harvard from accepting international students after Homeland Security Secretary Noem's requests for private data and protest video footage were partially declined. Judge Allison Burroughs temporarily blocked the ban in U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, with a Thursday hearing scheduled. The ban would affect one-quarter of enrollment, including $90,000-paying Shreya Reddy on an optional practical training visa. Harvard sued citing First Amendment rights violations, following federal grant freezes over pro-Palestinian protests.
Andrew Tate (38) and brother Tristan (36), dual UK-US citizens with enormous followings despite social media bans, face UK charges of rape and human trafficking. Andrew, who claims women bear "responsibility" for assault, faces additional charges of controlling prostitution. After Romanian officials lifted travel restrictions, they visited the US before returning for March hearings. The CPS issued arrest warrants and extradition orders pending Romanian case resolution. Both deny all allegations.
Russia proposed Ukraine peace talks for June 2 in Istanbul, announced Foreign Minister Lavrov. Medinskiy's delegation will present their crisis resolution memorandum with "on-the-spot" discussion of ceasefire points. Russian Foreign Ministry's Zakharova confirmed both nations would prepare settlement modalities documents. Previous Istanbul talks since March 2022 yielded no ceasefire. After a May 19 call with Trump, Putin expressed readiness for a peace accord amid U.S. pressure to end Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II.
38 Palestinians died in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, hitting Musa bin Nusayr School, Nuseirat camp, and Abu Samra home. Total Palestinian deaths reach 53,486. Israel ended 11-week blockade for basic aid. Hamas's October 7 attacks killed 1,200 Israelis, took 251 hostages; 58 remain, 23 believed alive. UN deems aid insufficient.
Islamic State claimed two bomb attacks in southern Syria: one in al-Safa killing/wounding seven soldiers, another targeting Free Syrian Army. This marks IS's first assault since Assad's 54-year rule ended. President Ahmad al-Sharaa, former al-Qaida leader, met Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia regarding economic sanctions. IS sleeper cells remain active despite 2019 defeat by Syrian Democratic Forces. Officials thwarted an IS plot targeting a Shiite Muslim shrine.
The 403-foot SpaceX Starship rocket tumbled out of control during its ninth demo from Starbase Texas, experiencing a "rapid unscheduled disassembly" over the Indian Ocean. Elon Musk's company failed to release mock satellites due to door malfunction. The recycled booster crashed in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX modified thermal tiles for this flight. The Federal Aviation Administration cleared the launch after previous failures. NASA needs Starship progress for astronauts to orbit the moon next year and land by 2027.